Area Catholic Priest Charged With Inappropriate Sexual Contact With A Child

Syracuse, N.Y. - Cortland County Sheriffs have arrested Father Nathan Brooks after they say he subjected one victim to inappropriate sexual contact on multiple occasions over several years.

The victim was known to Mr. Brooks according to Deputies

The incidents took place in the Town of Homer and the City of Cortland

Bishop Douglas Lucia of the Diocese of Syracuse released a statement today saying, "This is distressing news, most certainly to me, and to all of you. As a Catholic family, we have been on a journey of trying to make amends for the great harm that was caused in the past and now we are faced with this situation."

Brooks is charged with the following:

Town of Homer Court:

• Endangering the Welfare of a Child (A Misdemeanor)
• Forcible Touching (Class A Misdemeanor)
• Sexual Abuse in the 3rd Degree (Class B Misdemeanor)

City of Cortland Court:

• Forcible Touching (Class A Misdemeanor)

Father Brooks has been suspended as the investigation continues.